Mission: "We Serve" is the Lions' Motto.

The mission of the Grand Island Lions Club is to serve individuals in need within our community, with a particular focus on supporting those who are visually or hearing impaired, as well as children with disabilities.

Our major fundraising initiatives include the annual Spring Spaghetti Dinner and the August White Cane Drive. The highlight of our service year is the Kid’s Picnic in July, where hundreds of special needs children from the Erie–Niagara region enjoy a day of fun that includes lunch, boat rides, pony rides, clowns, karaoke and other entertainment.

Through collaboration with local school systems, we provide vision screening for children using state-of-the-art equipment designed to detect risk factors for amblyopia and other conditions that can lead to partial or complete vision loss, as well as developmental or behavioral challenges.

We also collect eyeglasses and hearing aids for redistribution to those in need and maintain a medical equipment loan closet that provides walkers, wheelchairs, and other durable medical goods. In addition, our club participates in local and international initiatives such as disaster relief. hunger, environment and other humantiarian needs.

Recognizing the importance of youth in our community, we actively promote programs that foster creativity, learning, and leadership. Each year, we sponsor the Lions International Peace Poster Contest, encouraging middle school students to artistically express their vision of world peace. We also award scholarships to graduating high school seniors who demonstrate outstanding community involvement, academic achievement, and character.

We are everyday citizens from all walks in life dedicated to make our community and a world in need a better place to live and work in.  Join us, won't you?

Grand Island, NY — On our June 12th 2025 Installation Dinner The Grand Island Lions Club proudly welcomed seven new members, celebrated outstanding community service, and received a generous donation during a spirited dinner and awards ceremony held July 11th at the historic Buffalo Launch Club.

Lion Kelly McGarvey was honored with the prestigious Robert J. Uplinger Distinguished Service Award, and Lion Paul Krupa received the distinguished Melvin Jones Fellowship, one of the highest recognitions in Lions International.  Special recognition was also given to author John Loss, who was presented with a Melvin Jones Fellowship, and Brigitte Heintz, Director of the Grand Island Memorial Library, who received a Robert J. Uplinger Award. Both honorees have made exceptional contributions to the community through advocacy, education, and engagement.

Joining the ranks of the Grand Island Lions are Brian and Ashley Kopf, Wendy Menter, Liz Blundell, Tim Pelletier, and Kyle and Tom Rusert Jr., adding fresh energy and commitment to the Lions’ service mission.

Adding to the celebration, Niagara Frontier Antique and Classic Boats made a generous donation to support the Club’s beloved annual Kids Picnic. The contribution, presented by Sharon Dickenson and Rocky Nagel, will help ensure a memorable event for local children this summer.

The evening concluded with WNY Lions District Governor-Elect Jeremy Schnurr officiating the swearing-in of the Club’s officers and newly inducted members for the upcoming Lions year beginning July 1.

The Grand Island Lions Club continues to uphold its 69 year mission of service, dedication, and leadership in making our community and the world a better place to live in.  It is with much thanks and gratitude to the Grand Island community for its unwavering support and commitment to our activities.

Lions Clubs International is the world's largest service club organization with more than 1.4 million members in approximately 46,000 clubs in more than 200 countries and geographical areas around the world.